SEC suspends USC's Swearinger 1 game for flagrant hit

South Carolina's D.J. Swearinger tries to break up a pass intended for Kentucky's Chris Matthews on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. South Carolina won the game 28-26.

South Carolina safety D.J. Swearinger was suspended one game by the SEC on Monday for a flagrant hit during last Saturday's game against UAB.

The senior will miss Saturday's 3:30 p.m. home contest against Missouri.

After reviewing the film, the league office determined that Swearinger initiated a helmet-to-helmet shot on UAB receiver Patrick Hearn at the 5:46 mark of the third quarter. Swearinger launched himself toward Hearn to break up a pass and made contact with his head. The referee determined the hit was above the shoulder pads and penalized the Gamecocks 15 yards.

The NCAA rule book states that "no player shall target and initiate contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm, elbow or shoulder."

The SEC decided in the offseason to come down harder on those type of hits.

The league rule states that a player may be suspended if it is determined that the he has committed a flagrant or unsportsmanlike act.

"These rules are for the protection of the health and safety of our players on both sides of the ball," SEC commissioner Mike Slive. "It is imperative that our student-athletes understand the importance of this rule. Our motivation in making these decisions is to protect our student-athletes."

This is the second suspension the SEC has levied this season under its rule. Ole Miss defensive back Trae Elston sat out last Saturday's game against Texas because of an illegal hit the week before against UTEP.

USC coach Steve Spurrier said Sunday he thought Swearinger's hit was similar to one Vanderbilt's Andre Hal used on tight end Justice Cunningham on Aug. 30. The Commodores were penalized 15 yards, but Hal was not suspended.

"That's sort of a new rule that came in this year," Spurrier said Sunday. "They're doing everything they can to protect against concussions."

Swearinger, a Greenwood native, is one of USC's defensive leaders. He's recorded 10 tackles and one interception this season; he returned a fumble 65 yards for a touchdown in the 49-6 victory over UAB.